Nihon Unist Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Osaka City, representative: Noboritada Imamura) has opened two unmanned rental guesthouses, "SEN.HAVEN NAKAMURA" and "SEN.HAVEN SAKURAI," in Kyū-Oguchi Village (Kumano River Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture), an important hub on the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The company renovated two vacant houses to create these new accommodation facilities.
The Kumano Kodo route from Hongū to Nachisan consists of two trails: the Kogumotori-goe and Ōgumotori-goe routes. Kyū-Oguchi Village, a quiet mountain village surrounded by clear streams, sits at the midpoint of these two routes and has historically served as a crucial rest stop for pilgrims.
In recent years, trekking demand has increased, but a shortage of accommodations has made it difficult to secure reservations. Many visitors have been forced to take buses back to other areas for the night, resulting in lost tourism opportunities within the village. To address this issue, the company renovated vacant houses and revitalized them as lodging facilities.
Nihon Unist has previously operated unmanned accommodation facilities along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route under the "SEN.RETREAT" brand, themed around "healing mind and body in nature." The company launched its first property, "SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA," in October 2021, followed by "SEN.RETREAT CHIKATSUYU" and "SEN.RETREAT TAKIJIRI." The company currently operates three facilities.
The newly opened "SEN.HAVEN" represents a new addition to this portfolio. "SEN.HAVEN NAKAMURA" was created from a 270-year-old traditional Japanese house, while "SEN.HAVEN SAKURAI" transformed a vacant building into guest accommodation.
Both facilities preserve the original wooden framework and warmth of the buildings while newly equipping bedding and water facilities. The properties offer simple spaces with only the essentials needed for travelers to rest comfortably. Guests can enjoy peaceful moments and reset their travel rhythm in an unhurried environment.
SEN.HAVEN NAKAMURA
- Location: 445 Kaminagai, Kumano River Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Rooms: 3 rooms, entire building rental for up to 9 guests
- Rate: 18,000 yen per person
- Includes: 1 night with 2 meals (dinner: bento box, breakfast: bread)
SEN.HAVEN SAKURAI
- Location: 425 Kaminagai, Kumano River Town, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Rooms: 2 rooms, entire building rental for up to 4 guests
- Rate: 16,000 yen per person
- Includes: 1 night with 2 meals (dinner: bento box, breakfast: bread)
Access Information
From Kansai International Airport
By Public Transportation
- Take JR Limited Express Kuroshio and transfer to local bus
- Travel time: approximately 5+ hours
By Car
- Via expressway and general roads
- Travel time: approximately 3 hours
From Chubu Centrair International Airport
By Public Transportation
- Transfer between JR or highway bus and local bus
- Travel time: approximately 5+ hours
By Car
- Via expressway and general roads
- Travel time: 3-4 hours
Reservations
Reservations are accepted via Booking.com or by phone (0739-64-0556).
Note: Credit card payment only
